Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting November 10, 2014

TOWN OF SIMSBURY – BOARD OF SELECTMEN "Subject to Approval"
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – NOVEMBER 10, 2014

CALL TO ORDER

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Present were: First Selectman Mary Glassman; Board members Michael Paine, Lisa Heavner, Sean Askham, Cheryl Cook and Nancy Haase. Others in attendance included: Joe Mancini, Director of Finance, Thomas Cooke, Director of Administrative Services, Ed LaMontagne, Executive Director of the Housing Authority, Dave Ryan, Director of Performing Arts Center, Jerome Shea, Town Engineer, Hiram Peck, Director of Land Use and other interested parties.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

PUBLIC AUDIENCE

Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, said she is looking forward to 2015 now that the elections are behind us. She said she is thinking about petitioning as a candidate with a platform for promoting a Town manager for the next elections. If she runs, she will not accept any campaign contributions. If she runs, she will probably be running against Ms. Heavner who opposes having professional management for Simsbury.

Ms. Coe spoke again about salaries some employees of the Town. She can’t understand why there are so many increases and more positions being hired. The Police Union contract is still unresolved. She also doesn’t understand why the Board of Selectmen is voting on the Performing Arts Center Directors’ as they haven’t even seen their audit report.

Ms. Coe also doesn’t understand why C-TEC is on the agenda again as the tax abatement issue has been discussed and denied before.

Ms. Coe asked why people aren’t allowed to walk on to the paddle court without any fee on a "catch me as you can" basis, while Mr. Toner is allowed to play golf for free throughout the season. Taxpayers are already paying for the upkeep of the facilities. She would like this policy changed and allow people to walk-on for free.

Ms. Coe said the Board of Education has a policy that seniors over 65 can receive a SPS VIP pass which entitles them to concerts and athletic events, etc. She doesn’t understand this.

Ms. Coe said on November 3rd a large tree fell in her yard on the Town’s right of way. The Town was there within an hour and chipped the tree. They were very courteous and left her place clean. She thanked the Highway Dept. for their service.

Mr. LaMontagne, 4 George Street spoke about agenda item c. He said he was going to contradict his comments he made in May. This item is to discuss the purchase of DOT property on the west side of Iron Horse Boulevard for the proposed senior center. He does have some concerns including the cost of $800,000 for this purchase. He is aware that there can be legislation to have cost reduced. Ms. LaMontagne said there is an issue about the relocation of a sanitary sewer line as well. Mr. LaMontagne asked for further study on this property.

Anita Mielert, 57 E. Weatogue Street, said she would also like to discuss the senior center as well. She feels a new building has a great deal of merit. However, she does not want the building in the proposal. She feels that the concept is a 20th century concept, but the people want buildings that are built right up to the sidewalk, with parking in the back. They also want a multi-purpose building. This should be a 3-4 story building for multi –

purpose use. The senior center could be on the 1st and 2nd floor along with medical or other businesses. The 3rd and 4th floors could be apartments, as we desperately need housing. What about a for-profit coffee shop? This issue really needs to be discussed further.

Ms. Mielert said many seniors want to remain at Eno Hall. She feels Social Services and other things need to also remain at Eno.

Robert Kalechman, 971 Hopmeadow Street, spoke about an article in the Hartford Courant on November 8th. He said the article spoke about stopping the election funding charade. He feels if people want to run then they should be using their own money, not the money of the taxpayers.

Mr. Kalechman feels this election was the dirtiest election he has witnessed. He said it was all dirty politics and this needs to change. He said he made a complaint and this will be investigated.

Tracey Saperstein, 4 Bernard Drive, spoke about her solar panel glitch. She and her husband spoke to a C-TEC salesman and they went through their options. She feels she is being misled by C-TEC as she bundled tree removal in their package. Now she has been told that tree removal was not part of the bundle. One of the reasons she got the bundle was so they could get a good percentage on their loan. There seems to be some confusion with what C-TEC is saying and actually doing. She said she called the Town as the Town is the one who said this was a great deal.

Ms. Saperstein said C-TEC told the Town that she was all set now. She is very upset with C-TEC as she really wants the solar panels, but she keeps getting different stories on how to get the panels.

Ms. Glassman said there was an advertisement for 2.9% financing, which included tree removal. There website and information was wrong. The State therefore provided the wrong information and the Town will work with her to resolve this issue.

Mickey Toro, owner of C-TEC said this issue did happen to more than one resident. The website was wrong. He spoke to Tom Roy, the ambassador for the Town, and told him the people were given options. He also did resolve this problem with the Sapersteins.

Jackson Eno, 119 Westledge Road said he read an article about moving the senior center. A lot of time, work, and money has been done to Eno Memorial Hall to make it more attractive. He listened to the conversations this evening and following the zone base coding. He now feels further study is needed about designing another building and the possibility of private ownership. Therefore, he would like more study done.

Robert Hensley said the Board of Selectmen are doing a great job and he thanked them. He appreciates how they work well together with all the challenges in Town. He said this Town also has great volunteers and said the Town also needs more volunteers.

Mr. Hensley said he was surprised about the discussion on a new building for seniors and others instead of completing the renovations on Eno Hall. We already own places that could use renovations and could be utilized for the senior center or better yet a community center.

Norma Servaddio, 10 Sagamore Drive said she has always maintained that Eno Memorial Hall is where the Senior Center should be. However, listening tonight, there seem to be some good ideas. She now thinks she would like more study so the Town does what is best for the Town. More study is really needed. She feels there is potential at Eno also. However, listening tonight, she also feels more study is needed. Maybe a new building could bring in more use and maybe even profit.

PRESENTATION

• Veterans Day Program – Tuesday, November 11th at 10:45 a.m. at Eno Memorial Hall

Ms. Glassman asked everyone to join her in honoring our Veterans on Tuesday, November 11th at 10:45 a.m. at Eno Memorial Hall. This is being sponsored by the Simsbury American Legion and Veteran’s of Foreign Wars. There will be refreshments after the ceremony.

• Update of Town’s Financials

Ms. Glassman said that Simsbury will be returning $617,000 to the general fund this year. She said this is partially due to economic growth. She welcomed Joe Mancini, the Finance Director.

Mr. Mancini said it was a favorable 2014. He said the tax collection rate is about 99.5%. He said the sale of Pharos Farm also went back into the general fund. Also, building permits increased.

Mr. Mancini went through some of the expenses. He said 1.7 million were favorable and spoke about some of the projects that were approved out of this money now.

Mr. Mancini said fiscal 2015 show collections in line with last year. There is some growth in the grand list. He said there is always some concern on health care issues, but he feels the Town is adequately positioned.

Mr. Mancini said the Town is going through the audit process now and there haven’t been any significant findings.

• Update of Simsbury Performing Arts Center 2014 Season

Dave Ryan went through the highlights of Simsbury Meadows. He said there were many concerts and they were all a lot of fun.

Mr. Ryan said the Performing Arts Center is a 501-c-3 and their fiscal year ends 12/31/14. He did e-mail the annual report of last year to the Board of Selectmen today. He said there was no audit for last year as they didn’t make enough money. This year they will have an audit and he went through that process. They don’t expect anymore money to come in for the year.

Mr. Ryan said there were about 20 events this year. Four events were affected by the weather. Mr. Ryan said there were five concerts at the Talcott Mountain Music Festival.

Mr. Ryan said Mr. Vincent did a great job this year. He worked tirelessly and had a great volunteer staff and groups who worked very hard as well and were very dedicated. There were also several monitory contributors and sponsors.

Mr. Ryan gave a check back to the Town for $14,008.

Mr. Ryan said they would like the Board to consider some capital expenditures for 2015 including work to be done in the parking lot behind the bandshell. In 2016 they would ask for some storage buildings, ticket booth, security and first aid building, etc. In 2017 they will be looking into a retractable roof for the seating areas. They have accepted a bid from Fletcher Thompson to do a feasibility study on this type of roofing.

Mr. Ryan said they are also looking in to noise control. They have issued a purchase order to Marc Cote Acoustic Consultants to see how to deal with noise control. Also crowd control needs to be looked at.

Ms. Glassman thanked all for their successful season. She also thanked the Board of Selectmen for their approval for the study for the private venture study. It allows more flexibility and creativity.

Mr. Glassman also said she spoke to Mr. Ryan about the 20th year anniversary for the Talcott Mountain Music Festival. The Performing Arts Center Board needs to come back to this Board with their ideas for this anniversary.

Mr. Ryan said the Development Committee met and said they would look for the date to celebrate this anniversary.

• Simsbury Junior Women’s Club Luminary Night

Heather Belay and Becky Boey, co-presidents of the Junior Women’s Club said they have been serving the community since 1957. They have a mission of uniting women, seeking opportunities of specific engagement in volunteerism who share the vision of impacting our local and national communities. They are a 501-c-3 organization. There are about 49 members who have donated over 1500 service hours to the community.

Ms. Belay said there will be another story and craft hour on December 3rd at the Library. They will provide the craft while Santa visits. They will be collecting donations for the troops. The also collect hats and mittens for the tree for low-income children, they provide the teddy bear sleep over at the Library, they deliver meals-on-wheels in Simsbury, and they make all of the desserts for super Tuesday at the Senior Center. They also make baskets for services in Town, they collect money for Alex’s lemonade stand, etc.

Ms. Belay said all of these activities are made possible by their annual fund raiser, which is Luminary Night. This is the 4th year and it will be held on December 7th from 5-8- p.m. The luminary kits are sold for $15 for residents and $100 for businesses as they get LED lighting. Everyone is encouraged to "light up the night" to show community support. She said all of the proceeds go back to the community or are donated in the form of a grant for a non- profit organization. Ensign Bickford has given them a grant for the last three years, therefore, all of the proceeds have gone back to the community. She gave a sample of names that have gotten grants from this fund.

Ms. Belay asked everyone for their support on Luminary Night as this is how they raise the money to do the things that they do. She also encouraged the Town to also use luminaries at Town Hall. She said they would also love help in increasing the Simsbury Junior Women’s Club as well, and she would like to see greater interaction in the Town. Their website is www.President@SimsburyJuniors.org.

• Annual Recycling Award

Ms. Glassman introduced Mary Turner, Chairman of the Recycling Committee. She aid the Annual Recycling Award was started in 1997 for a person, group, or company who have made special efforts to recycle materials that formerly entered the waste stream complicating disposal, wasting resources and damaging the environment.

Ms. Turner said they believe these people deserve a hardy well done and public recognition for the commendable recycling efforts. The Civitan Club of Simsbury and the Farmington Valley is recognized for twelve years of continuous hands on support and co-management of the Simsbury Swap Shop. They have spent over 2,000 hours at the Swap Shop. She introduced some members of the Civitan Club who accepted the award.

Mr. Salch said he was the President when the Swap Center was established in a trailer. He also recognized the members who have passed on and accepted the award on their behalf and on behalf of the Civitan Club of Simsbury.

Ms. Turner said they will be holding them composting open house on November 15th at Simsbury Community Farms, 73 Wolcott Road from 10 – 2. You will be able to see some equipment and there will be composing discussions. There will also be information for people who are unable to compost at home. If people would like more information they can call Lori at 868-904-8873,

FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT

Ms. Glassman said Simsbury has been invited to participate in CRCOG "Voice Over Internet Protocol" demonstration project. We are honored to be in the final stages of connecting to the "Nutmeg Network" thanks to a grant from the State. This project is designed to demonstrate the value of the Nutmeg Network and to serve as collaborational models for additional uses. This project offers the potential for less costly and better integrated telephone systems in Town.

Ms. Glassman said The Simsbury 1820 House and the Main Street Partnership are sponsoring a competition challenging Farmington Valley artists to create a Travelogue Poster capturing the essence of our Town. The winning posters will be reproduced and used to promote Simsbury as a travel destination. The finalist will have their work displayed at The Simsbury 1820 House running from November 7 – December 13. Visitors will vote on their favorites and the top three finalists will be awarded cash prizes in the amount of $500, $300 and $200.

Ms. Glassman reminded everyone that the Simsbury American Legion and the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars will be sponsoring the Veteran’s Day program tomorrow at 10:45 at Eno Memorial Hall. This moving ceremony provides a fitting opportunity for everyone to remember those who have given so much to protect the liberties that we enjoy. Ms. Glassman thanked the American Legion, the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary for doing so much to help recognize our veterans.

Ms. Glassman noted that the Tariffville School’s third and fourth graders are taking the opportunity to honor our veterans with their own Veteran’s Day Assembly. It will be held at the Tariffville School auditorium at 1:15 p.m. and everyone is invited.

SELECTMEN ACTION

a) Approve Tax Refunds

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve tax refunds in the amount of $4,998.24 as reviewed and recommended by the Tax Collector. Ms. Heavner seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

b) Approve FY14 Budget Transfers

Ms. Glassman noted that these are just clean ups based on audit financials and closing of accounts, which total $66,246.00. Mr. Mancini went through the transfers.

Ms. Glassman reminded the Department Heads that they need to start the budget process in December as their budgets need to be turned in to the First Selectman by January.

There was some discussion on the Simsbury Farms issues. He understands that there are issues there. They still have to address the $190,000.00 issue. Mr. Askham said they asked Mr. Toner to look into more cuts. They understand that this is a deficit from prior years.

Mr. Mancini said they are trying to set up a "Spend a Save Fund". He is going through the CNR balances right now and the language for this fund. He may allocate some of the balances to the "Spend a Save Fund."

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve CNR transfers that will cleanup prior year overages; approve the General Fund Transfers; and approve a transfer for the Simsbury Farms FY14 deficit. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

c) Approve recommendation from Public Building Committee regarding Senior Center

Mr. Shea said he, staff and the Public Building Committee originally started with five sites for the Senior Center. They are now down to two sites: 36 Drake Hill Road and the DOT site on the west side of Iron Horse Boulevard. This DOT land would have to be addressed with the State. He then went through the concept plan.

Ms. Glassman said the Charettee also needs to be looked in to. We will also look in to a public/private partnership. She said she needs authorization to pursue the option of the DOT property with the State and then the issue will come back to the Board. She thanked everyone for their comments on the Senior /Community Center and said she hoped the process could move forward.

Mr. Askham made a motion to explore with the State of Connecticut the public use of that site owned by them and to address the process of ECD, consideration of the Charrette process, public/private partnership, cost and size of senior center, use of Eno, timeframe, etc. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Ms. Glassman recused herself and turned the chair over to Ms. Haase.

d) Request for Reconsideration of C-TEC Request for Tax Abatement

Ms. Haase said the Board received a letter from Mickey Toro, owner of C-TEC and introduced him.

Mr. Toro said it is totally his fault that they are in this position and he is coming back to the Board to see if the tax abatement can be approved at the International Skating Center. He feels there was some confusion as to whether a representative from C-TEC was required to come to a meeting of the Board to offer insight of this project at the Skating Center.

He said the law expressly provides the Town with the authority to abate the taxes on renewable energy projects. He assumed that no property tax would be assessed on this project or at least that the tax would have been abated. Unfortunately, the Town denied the abatement.

Mr. Toro feels the project provides economic benefits to the Skating Center and to the Town. He said operating this type of facility is challenging and the project should be viewed as an excellent way of moving the facility towards more sustainable energy. There may also be some confusion with regard to the ownership of the project. C-TEC does not own the project, but it is owned by a third-party investment group. He feels that if he doesn’t get the abatement he might have to take the solar panels down.

After further discussion, the Board thanked Mr. Toro for coming before the Board with his information. They did tell him that he could always go before the Building Development Committee, get an attorney to investigate the abatement further, and possibly appeal the abatement before the legislature.

No action was taken on this item.

Ms. Glassman rejoined the meeting.

e) Approve Simsbury Performing Arts Center Inc. Directors

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the following Simsbury PAC, Inc. Directors:

David Ryan, terms ends 2017; Greg Piecuch, term ends 2017; Ferg Jansen, term ends 2017; Jeff Dornenburg, term ends 2016 and Jane Porterfield, term ends 2015 to keep the total of Simsbury Board of Selectmen approved directors to 8 (of 15). Mr. Paine seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

f) Approve Resolution for Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Planning Grant Application

Ms. Glassman said there is a short timeframe to turn around this application for the Weatogue Village Overlay District. She thanked Mr. Peck and staff who reviewed this application grant information. This is an opportunity for the Town to apply for funding to complete this project.

Mr. Peck spoke about the express bus stop and how that project would be completed. He said this would also allow us to do some preliminary engineering and work with DOT on the Weatogue Village Green.

Ms. Haase made a motion: "Resolved that the Simsbury Board of Selectmen:

1. Authorizes submission of the Weatogue Village District T.O.D. Overlay Zone Grant application in accordance with the Transit-Oriented Development (T.O.D.) Planning Grant Program Request for Applications; and

2. Authorizes the individual serving as First Selectman, or their successor(s), to sign the grant application and to sign any other documents associated with administering the grant, if awarded, including any amendments thereto.

Such grant application is attached to and made part of this record."

Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

g) Approve Request for Proposal (RFP) for 2015 Small Cities Grant Application

Ms. Glassman noted that there is no cost to do this and it provides administrative and technical support to implement activities including program income during the contract period. She thanked Ed LaMontagne for his hard work on this project.

Ms. Heavner made a motion to submit a Request For Proposal to secure a qualified firm or individual for professional and technical services to prepare a 2015 Small Cities Community Development Program Application and to provide administrative and technical support to implement activities including program income during the contract period. Ms. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

a) Accept the resignation of Louis J. Donofrio (R) as a regular member of the Economic Development Task Force effective November 3, 2014

Ms. Haase made a motion to accept the resignation of Louis J. Donofrio as a regular member of the Economic Development Task Force effective November 3, 2014 with our thanks. Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

OTHER BUSINESS

a) Update on Tax Abatement Policy draft

Ms. Haase said they have met with Main Street Partnership and they will be submitting their comments to Mr. Peck. There will be a another meeting in December. They will have a meeting with the Task Force Committee on November 20th and then Economic Development this Thursday morning. They are making progress.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES

a) Regular Meeting of October 27, 2014

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 27, 2014. Mr. Paine seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

SELECTMEN LIAISON AND SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. Personnel – no report at this time.
2. Finance – no report at this time.
3. Welfare – no report at this time.
4. Public Safety – no report at this time.
5. Board of Educations – Ms. Heavner said the PECO Study said that Simsbury has one of the most competitive schools in the State. Congratulations to the educators of Simsbury.

Ms. Heavner congratulated St. Francis for opening their Urgent Care facility in Simsbury in the Stop and Shop Plaza.

Ms. Heavner thanked Mr. LaMontagne for hosting the Veteran’s luncheon for the Public Housing Authority.

ADJOURN

Mr. Askham made a motion to adjourn at 9:45 p.m. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathi Radocchio
Clerk